Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has returned early from international duty with Germany for further assessment of a left hamstring injury sustained during Thursday’s UEFA Nations League match against the Netherlands. The 27-year-old was forced off around the 30-minute mark after a challenge by Quinten Timber, brother of Arsenal teammate Jurrien Timber, in the 1-1 draw in Amsterdam.

Initial reports from Germany suggest Havertz could be sidelined for up to four weeks depending on the severity of the injury. This potential absence would include several significant fixtures for Arsenal, such as the Champions League group stage match at Bayern Munich on October 21 and a Premier League clash against Liverpool on November 1. Arsenal have not issued an official comment regarding the injury.

Havertz, who struggled with injuries last season and started just 12 league games for the Premier League champions, had begun the current campaign strongly, scoring three goals in seven appearances, six of which he started. The nature of the hamstring issue recalls a previous injury sustained in February 2025 that ended his season, although Arsenal did not disclose which leg was affected at that time.

During the international break, Havertz was expected to participate in the first two of Germany’s four scheduled matches under new national team manager Jürgen Klopp, who has opted for a larger squad to manage player workload. In addition to Havertz, fellow German international Jamal Musiala also left the squad early due to a thigh injury sustained during the pre-match warm-up in Amsterdam.

To compensate for the absences, Klopp has called up Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jonathan Burkardt earlier than planned. Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee was also added to the Dutch squad after Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey was injured in the same encounter.

Klopp expressed cautious optimism about the injuries, stating that both players were undergoing MRI scans and that he hoped the injuries were not serious. "At the moment, both are on the MRI," he said. "Of course, that’s not great now. I just hope this is nothing bad. The boys are probably out for us, but hopefully then also relatively quickly available again."

With Havertz potentially sidelined, Arsenal may turn to Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino as alternative options to lead the attack in his absence. Germany drew 1-1 with the Netherlands, with Felix Nmecha scoring the opening goal before Cody Gakpo secured a late equalizer.